Chinese gastronomy has long been a favourite of ours here in the lucky country ‑ in fact, it’s a firm favourite the world over! So, when a world-class Cantonese restaurant decides to open its doors in our fair city, you know it’s time to get excited. And likely reach for your stretchy pants, also.

Say hello to an exalted and elevated Chinese dining experience unlike any other on the Gold Coast – Uncle Su.

Pulsating, fun, and incorporating the spirit of family, Uncle Su offers diners an impressive execution of classic Cantonese cuisine, created with high quality local Australian ingredients and a coastal leaning.

Uncle Su is located where the previous Imperial at The Star Gold Coast once lived. The name is inspired by the respected term of Uncle in Chinese tradition; a name that represents the genuine Chinese family dining experience patrons will enjoy with an assortment of tempting signature dishes affectionately prepared by a brigade of talented chefs.

Leading this team is Executive Chef Song Yao Su who has over 35 years working in the world’s finest restaurants. With an impressive resume, Song learnt skilful techniques from one of Hong Kong’s most revered and decorated chefs, Pui Wing Hui, cooking alongside the master for over a decade, including an impressive tenure at Las Vegas’ invitation-only residences, The Mansions.

Song says, “I’m thrilled to open the doors to Uncle Su and extend my dining table to friends, new and old. I feel so fortunate to cook in this beautiful part of the world, with access to some of the best seafood and produce the country has to offer.”

At Uncle Su, the menu hinges on cultural heritage and family memories to curate a trove of taste bud-tingling Cantonese dishes, deftly infused with a signature Nouvelle style and new world flavours.

Live seafood is the real star of the show; guests are greeted by a spectacular display of fish tanks filled with locally sourced lobsters and crabs. Queensland groper, barramundi, abalone, and coral trout are also heroed throughout the menu. All are sourced under The Star’s evolving sustainable seafood strategy, aiming to provide a lessened environmental impact and support to local fisheries.

That’s not all, though. Diners can also look forward to Chef Song’s Peking Duck, marinated in a secret sauce for 24 hours before being roasted and cooked to utter perfection and then being served and carved at the table. The restaurant also features an alluring handmade Dim Sum menu, full of classic and loved dishes made to order – such as a Char Siu Bao, a fluffy steamed bun bursting with delicious Chinese BBQ pork, or Siu Mai made with Australian pork and prawn meat and topped with Australian abalone. A drool-inducing lineup if ever we saw one!

As well as a comprehensive and encompassing selection of drinks, tea is an integral part of the Uncle Su experience. An in-house tea connoisseur is on hand to guide those interested through the wide-ranging menu and provide insight into tea’s deep history, customs, and flavours.

The space has been designed by award-winning local architecture and interior design practice, Plus Architecture, and will highlight design cues from respected Chinese tradition with elements taken from the quintessential energy of the Gold Coast. You can expect oriental design components, bespoke handcrafted oversized lanterns, and attractive koi fish motifs, all bathed in a strong wave of red, gold, cool ocean blue, and jade green. Amongst the delicious flavours, diners will experience a venue of vibrant and energetic measures!

When: Wednesday to Sunday Lunch 12pm – 2.15pm and Dinner 5.30pm – 9.45pm
Where: Ground level, The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Words by Alex Mitcheson.